Sharon Cumberbatch wants to create a sense of positivity among Trinidad and Tobago’s youth. She hopes the soon-to-be-aired will help do that.
Cumberbatch is the mother of comedian, entertainer and actor Rodell “Ro’dey” Cumberbatch.
Kids So Amazing is a production of Ro’dey Entertainment Ltd and Star Global Productions Ltd in Chaguanas. Ro’dey Entertainment Ltd, Woodbrook, was registered in 2019.
The show will feature the talents of children aged three-13. Ro’dey will interview the children before inviting them to perform in the 30-minute-long show.
[caption id="attachment_967937" align="alignnone" width="1024"] In the TV show, Kids So Amazing, Ro'dey will lightly interview children and then invite them to perform. -[/caption]
His “momager” said Kids So Amazing – which airs on CNC3 from this Thursday – was inspired by US comedian Steve Harvey’s Little Big Shots. Harvey’s show invites some of the world’s most talented children to show their abilities. It first aired in 2016.
When Cumberbatch came up with her idea she felt TT had so many talented kids who should be in the spotlight.
This coupled with Ro’dey’s skill as an entertainer would make for great content, she said.
She came up with the idea early 2019, but the pandemic pushed it into production.
As they slowly began to climb out of the pandemic pit, there was a lot of negative stories about children. There was one thing after another: child abuse at children’s homes, indiscipline in schools and SEA results, she said.
“That was very depressing, and I said, ‘Look we have to do this thing. We have to put a positive message out. We have talented children and we need to inspire those that are watching.'”
The idea was pitched to CNC3 and the network was excited about it, Cumberbatch added.
[caption id="attachment_967938" align="alignnone" width="1024"] One of the young performers on the upcoming Kids So Amazing TV show hosted by comedian and entertainer Ro'dey. -[/caption]
Ro’dey Entertainment Ltd and Star Global Production got together and did a pilot programme.
Sponsors were then approached but there was not an overwhelming response, she said.
Despite this, Cumberbatch took the decision to go ahead.
Like Harvey, she wanted to give the children a grand stage to showcase their talent and so they chose Queen’s Hall.
“I did not want a small studio and the children behind a green screen. No! I wanted the real thing because these children deserve it."
The company worked with actress and director Penelope Spencer as its casting director.
“We auditioned over 30 children. We had a short space of time to work with. When the show got the approval to move forward, we had to do the production in two days.”
The pilot was done in May and the station gave the company the green light in early July. Eight episodes were made for its August airing.
Cumberbatch was also certain she did not want a competitive element. Her vision is to display the talent of all children, whether they are young farmers, authors or gymnasts.
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